Israel’s envoy rebukes Priyanka Gandhi over genocide allegations in Gaza
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Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, has strongly rejected Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi’s accusation that Israel is committing genocide in Palestine, calling her remarks “shameful” and “deceitful.”
In a recent post on X, Priyanka Gandhi alleged that “The Israeli state is committing genocide. It has murdered over 60,000 people, 18,430 of whom were children. It has starved hundreds to death, including many children, and is threatening to starve millions.”
She further criticised the Indian government for remaining “silent as Israel unleashes this devastation on the people of Palestine.”
Responding to her comments, Azar countered, “What is shameful is your deceit. Israel Killed 25,000 Hamas terrorists. The terrible cost in human lives derives from Hamas's heinous tactics of hiding behind civilians, their shooting of people trying to evacuate or receive assistance, and their rocket fire.”
Azar also defended Israel’s humanitarian record, stating, “Israel facilitated 2 million tonnes of food into Gaza while Hamas tries to sequestrate them, thereby creating hunger.”
Addressing claims about population decline, he added, “Gaza population has grown 450% in the last 50 years, no genocide there,” and warned the international community, “Don't buy Hamas numbers.”
The exchange comes as violence in Gaza intensifies and international debate over civilian casualties grows.
Separately, Priyanka Gandhi condemned the killing of five Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza, describing it as “yet another heinous crime committed on Palestinian soil” and accusing Israel of trying to silence truth with “violence and hatred.” She praised the journalists’ “immeasurable courage” and said, “May they rest in peace.”
The war in Gaza continues to draw global scrutiny amid mounting humanitarian concerns.